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Responsible AI development highlighted at IGF 2024

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, experts from across the globe gathered to tackle the complexities of transparency and explainability in AI. Moderated by Latifa Al Abdulkarim, the panel delved into these crucial concepts, highlighting their role in fostering trust and accountability in AI systems.

Doreen Bogdan Martin of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) distinguished transparency as the process of designing and deploying AI systems, while explainability pertains to justifying AI decisions. Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, executive president of the International Center of Artificial Intelligence of Morroco, added, ‘Transparency is about how a system meets expectations, while explainability is more technical—it justifies decisions made by the system.’

National and international initiatives showcased diverse approaches to ethical AI governance. President of the Saudi Data & AI Authority (SDAIA), Abdulah Bin Sharaf Alghamdi, outlined the nation’s progress in creating AI ethics frameworks and global partnerships. Gong Ke, from China’s Institute for Next-Generation AI, emphasised strategies to ensure responsible AI growth, while El Fallah Seghrouchni detailed Morocco’s efforts to address linguistic diversity challenges.

On the global stage, Doreen Bogdan Martin emphasised ITU’s collaboration on AI standards and sustainable initiatives. At the same time, UN representative Li Junhua spotlighted AI’s transformative potential for real-time policymaking, disaster response, and addressing inequality.

The discussion also tackled challenges in achieving transparency and explainability. Complexity in AI models, data privacy issues, and gaps in regulation were recurring themes. ‘Regulations need to adapt to the rapid evolution of AI,’ El Fallah Seghrouchni stressed.

Additionally, linguistic diversity and talent shortages in developing regions were identified as critical hurdles. Yet, participants remained optimistic about AI’s potential to accelerate sustainable development goals (SDGs), with Bogdan Martin noting, ‘AI could boost progress on SDGs by 70%,’ citing examples like AI glasses empowering a young girl in India and innovations in West Africa doubling agricultural yields.

Concluding the session, panellists called for global collaboration, capacity-building, and the development of frugal, inclusive, and trustworthy AI systems. Bogdan Martin emphasised the need for standardised frameworks to ensure ethical practices, while El Fallah Seghrouchni challenged the reliance on large datasets, advocating for quality over quantity.

Why does it matter?

The forum underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue and international cooperation in shaping a human-centric AI future that balances innovation with ethical accountability.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

AI technology aims to cut hospital visits for COPD patients

A pioneering NHS trust in Hull and East Yorkshire is harnessing AI to enhance its chronic respiratory illness care. The Lenus COPD support system, introduced in March 2023, has already reduced hospital visits by 40% and aims for even greater improvements with the integration of AI.

The app enables patients to monitor their symptoms through regular self-assessments and offers direct messaging to NHS clinics. AI will soon analyse the collected data to identify patterns and potential triggers, enabling earlier interventions to prevent hospitalisation.

Professor Mike Crooks, who leads the service, emphasised the proactive nature of the system. The AI-driven insights allow clinics to deliver timely care, helping patients stabilise their health before conditions worsen.

Patients like Ruth, diagnosed with COPD at just 14, report transformative results. Frequent hospital visits have become a rarity, and the app has provided her with a reliable lifeline for clinical support.

Google unveils Gemini 2.0 and futuristic AI applications

Google has launched the second generation of its AI model, Gemini, along with innovative applications like real-time AI-powered eyeglasses and a universal assistant, Project Astra. CEO Sundar Pichai called it the dawn of a ‘new agentic era,’ where virtual assistants can autonomously perform complex tasks under user supervision.

Gemini 2.0 now powers features such as AI Overviews in Google Search and includes advancements in image and audio processing. Google also revealed tools like Project Mariner for automating web tasks and Jules, an AI tool for software coding.

The company’s focus on embedding AI in widely used products like Search, YouTube, and Android is seen as a strategy to outpace competitors like OpenAI. Its Project Astra prototype can process multilingual conversations and integrate data from Maps and Lens. Testing on AI-enabled eyeglasses marks Google’s return to wearable tech, challenging rivals like Meta in the augmented reality space.

Canada considers $15 billion incentive to boost AI data centres

Canada’s federal government is exploring a proposal to offer up to $15 billion in incentives to encourage domestic pension funds to invest in AI data centres powered by clean energy. The initiative, reportedly discussed in private consultations, is part of Ottawa’s broader economic strategy to meet rising global demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure.

The growing adoption of AI tools, such as ChatGPT, has accelerated the need for advanced data centres, creating unprecedented demand for energy. While clean energy solutions are preferred, slow deployment has led many countries to rely on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal to bridge the gap.

Globally, the rush to develop AI infrastructure has exposed critical challenges in planning and power availability. Canada‘s proposed incentives aim to position the country as a leader in green-powered AI development while addressing both energy sustainability and economic opportunities.

Global stakeholders chart the course for digital governance at the IGF in Riyadh

Global digital governance was the main topic in a key discussion led by moderator Timea Suto, gathering experts to tackle challenges in AI, data management, and internet governance. At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, speakers emphasised balancing innovation with regulatory consistency while highlighting the need for inclusive frameworks that address societal biases and underrepresented voices.

Thomas Schneider of Ofcom Switzerland underscored the Council of Europe‘s AI convention as a promising standard for global interoperability. Meta’s Flavia Alves advocated for open-source AI to drive global collaboration and safer products. Meanwhile, Yoichi Iida from Japan‘s Ministry of Communications outlined the G7 Hiroshima AI code as an international step forward, while concerns about dataset biases were raised from the audience.

Data governance discussions focused on privacy and trust in cross-border flows. Maarit Palovirta of Connect Europe called for harmonised regulations to protect privacy while fostering innovation. Yoichi Iida highlighted OECD initiatives on trusted data sharing, with Amr Hashem of the GSMA stressing the need to develop infrastructure alongside governance, particularly in underserved regions.

The future of internet governance also featured prominently, with Irina Soeffky from Germany‘s Digital Ministry reinforcing the multi-stakeholder model amid calls to update WSIS structures. Audience member Bertrand de La Chapelle proposed reforming the Internet Governance Forum to reflect current challenges. Jacques Beglinger of EuroDIG stressed the importance of grassroots inclusion, while Desiree Milosevic-Evans highlighted gender representation gaps in governance.

Canada‘s Larisa Galadza framed the coming year as critical for advancing the Global Digital Compact, with priorities on AI governance under Canada’s G7 presidency. Maria Fernanda Garza of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) called for alignment in governance while maintaining flexibility for local needs amid ongoing multilateral challenges.

Speakers concluded that collaboration, inclusivity, and clear mandates are key to shaping effective digital governance. As technological change accelerates, the dialogue reinforces the need for adaptable, action-oriented strategies to ensure equity and innovation globally.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Ethical AI governance highlighted at the IGF: Developing tools for human rights-focused solutions

At the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, representatives from the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) and Access Partnership discussed advancing ethical AI governance. Chris Martin, Head of Policy Innovation at Access Partnership, emphasised the societal stakes of AI, stating, ‘Every decision that AI systems make…will shape our lives, how we work, and how we interact.’

Ahmad Bhinder of the DCO underscored the importance of aligning AI governance with human rights, explaining, ‘We identified which human rights are most impacted by AI and examined global approaches to regulation.’ The DCO introduced its six ethical principles for AI governance: accountability, transparency, fairness, privacy protection, sustainability, and human-centeredness.

Matthew Sharp of Access Partnership detailed a new AI ethics evaluation tool designed to help developers and deployers assess and mitigate human rights risks. The tool features risk assessments, interactive radar graphs, and actionable recommendations, making it a practical resource for ethical AI development. ‘The tool aims to be comprehensive and interactive, addressing diverse industries and applications,’ Sharp said.

An interactive exercise led by Thiago tested the tool’s application in real-world scenarios, such as using AI to diagnose diseases or perform job screenings. Alaa Abdulaal, DCO’s Chief of Digital Economy Foresight, highlighted the importance of collaboration in AI governance, stating that a multistakeholder approach is essential to ensure global and practical solutions. Martin also noted the uneven adoption of AI worldwide, with opportunities for growth in the Middle East and North Africa.

Why does it matter?

The session underscored DCO’s commitment to creating actionable tools for responsible AI deployment while protecting human rights. Feedback gathered from participants aims to refine these efforts further, demonstrating a collective push towards ethical AI in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

All transcripts from the Internet Governance Forum sessions can be found on dig.watch.

Apple integrates ChatGPT to enhance Siri and user experience

Apple has begun rolling out ChatGPT integration into its devices, enhancing the Siri voice assistant with advanced AI capabilities. The update, part of Apple’s latest operating system releases for iPhones, iPads, and Macs, enables Siri to handle complex tasks like analysing documents and generating written content across supported apps.

The AI-powered Writing Tools feature also lets users create text and generate images. Available on newer iPhones, iPads, and Macs, the update coincides with the critical holiday shopping season, a key sales period for Apple.

The integration aims to boost sales of the latest iPhone models amid investor concerns about the iPhone 16’s performance. Apple’s AI-driven features are positioned to make its devices more versatile and competitive in the growing artificial intelligence market.

Visa and ADGM Academy partner to drive UAE financial innovation

Visa and ADGM Academy collaborate to advance innovation and talent development within the UAE’s financial sector. The partnership will focus on joint research and development in key areas such as cybersecurity, AI, and fintech, fostering innovation within the UAE’s financial community.

Also, Visa will offer certification programs through Visa University at ADGM Academy to upskill professionals, support Emiratization efforts, and prepare the workforce for the challenges of a digital economy. That collaboration aligns with national strategies like ‘We the UAE 2031’ and the UAE Central Bank’s Financial Infrastructure Transformation Program, contributing to the country’s economic diversification and digital transformation goals.

The partnership also exemplifies a successful public-private collaboration to strengthen Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading financial hub. By combining Visa’s expertise in digital payments and fintech with ADGM Academy’s world-class training and research capabilities, both entities seek to drive sustainable growth and innovation in the UAE’s financial sector.

That alliance is vital in developing a future-ready workforce and supporting the UAE’s broader vision of a knowledge-based, digitally empowered economy.

Google partners with Andhra Pradesh government to launch AI Data Centre

Google and the Andhra Pradesh government in India have agreed to establish an Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centre in Visakhapatnam. That move is expected to enhance the state’s digital ecosystem significantly.

The AI Data Centre will transform Visakhapatnam into a major hub for AI, sea cables, and data centres, drawing global attention and positioning the port city as a leader in technological advancements. The initiative is seen as a game-changer for the region, potentially stimulating economic and social growth by creating a robust IT ecosystem and generating substantial employment opportunities.

The Andhra Pradesh government has played a key role in bringing this partnership to life, with leadership efforts focused on fostering an environment conducive to technological innovation. Looking to the future, both Google and the state are optimistic about the transformative impact of the AI Data Centre on the region.

Google views the state as a key partner for future initiatives, and both parties are excited about the potential for innovation and technological progress. This collaboration aligns with the state’s progressive industrial policies, cultivating a business-friendly environment that attracts global investors like Google.

CelcomDigi and Universiti Malaya to revolutionise healthcare with 5G, AI, and XR technologies

CelcomDigi and Universiti Malaya (UM) are collaborating to drive digital healthcare innovation by leveraging 5G, AI, and extended reality (XR). Through this collaboration, UM will become the first healthcare institution in Malaysia to integrate HoloMedicine, a transformative technology that uses 3D holograms in clinical care and operating theatres.

The initiative aims to enhance surgical precision, improve access to medical care, enable remote expert consultations, and revolutionise medical education through immersive XR technologies. Bridging the digital gap will also position Malaysia as a global leader in health tourism and advanced medical education, providing students and professionals with hands-on experience in complex procedures and treatment strategies.

The three-year partnership is part of CelcomDigi’s broader initiative to advance digital healthcare, enhancing the accessibility, efficiency, and personalisation of care across Malaysia’s healthcare system. By integrating these cutting-edge technologies, the collaboration seeks to transform medical education and healthcare delivery, ensuring that future medical practitioners are equipped with the tools necessary to deliver exceptional care.

The effort will also strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global healthcare ecosystem, empowering healthcare providers with advanced digital solutions and positioning the country as a leader in innovative medical practices.